Energy versus Climate Change

Both economic growth and climate change are powered by an increasing demand for energy, mainly fossil fuels. The puzzle is how to manage energy generation and demand so as to enable economic growth and deal with climate change.

The aim of the session is to explore the potential contributions of various solutions to the energy puzzle: decarbonizing energy supplies, switching to clean renewables, substituting low-carbon energy suppliers like gas for high-carbon energy sources like coal, increasing the share of nuclear energy or capturing and storing carbon. What is the optimal mix of such options? What is the politically feasible mix?

What policy instruments are required to implement this mix? What is the appropriate time frame for these policies in order to avert serious consequences of climate change?